On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.
Padlet is a free site and app that allows you to encourage student collaboration and communication on one site. By giving students access to a created Padlet wall, through a website/link, you can quickly assess their understanding by gaining live feedback that posts directly to the wall. Padlet can be used on multiple devices, including phones, so it would be easily used for parent communication as well. Each Padlet wall gives you an option to change: the title, the subtitle (ask a question to students), change the background, and change the privacy settings. Padlet walls save to your archive so you can quickly go back and make notes of things students have said or even use the responses for in class discussion.
Educational Uses of Site
Post assignments and reminders
Allow students to give a “shout out” to a book or author they are currently reading
Brainstorming/activator
Formative assessment/Ticket Out the Door
Question board (when you are working with a group): students can post their questions for you and you can quickly answer them or check in with them when your group is working independently/collaboratively
Reflections
Building background
Create a list for students to view for a specific topic
Each student can have their own wall to share work or grades with parents
Review of Site
Padlet was introduced to me at our hybrid trainings at the beginning of the summer. The instructors used it as a quick brainstorming activity: “what do you think about…” and then at the end of the session for a reflection piece: “tell us one thing you learned about….” I liked the way that the students could see what other students were saying, avoiding doubling answers and maybe adding to the conversation. We were asked to create a Padlet wall, where others could join the conversation starter that we had posted. I liked that, as the teacher, I did not have to be an active participant in this activity—it was completely student-led. I noticed others responding to my wall were reading what other people wrote and adding new ideas or even commenting on other posts. If I were to be holding a guided group and asking students to view something on a computer, I could have Padlet on my iPad and keep an eye on that wall while I was teaching. I could see some negatives for this site, however. For example, students can post anything on the wall—if it is not well monitored and students make a poor choice, they can easily post something and quickly remove it from the wall. That being said, if I were to have this wall projected on the screen, a student to easily write something inappropriate for the whole class to see. This would mean I would need to keep a close eye on these postings, as it could be an effective tool if used correctly. The site does have an option that the posts be viewed prior to posting, which would eliminate the chance of an inappropriate comment but would also limit student collaboration. Some teachers may not like that students can see what others are posting and that they may copy other’s posts; if this were the case, I would just wait until all students have their responses, check their responses and then post them for everyone to see. I think this tool would be very valuable to get conversation started, for those classes where students sit quietly and wait for directions. By having a starting point, students can start talking and collaborating with one another.
Unit 6.2A Assignment
On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.
Student Name:
Jennifer Jenkins DeiblerTitle of Site:
PadletURL:
https://padlet.comDescription of Site:
Padlet is a free site and app that allows you to encourage student collaboration and communication on one site. By giving students access to a created Padlet wall, through a website/link, you can quickly assess their understanding by gaining live feedback that posts directly to the wall. Padlet can be used on multiple devices, including phones, so it would be easily used for parent communication as well. Each Padlet wall gives you an option to change: the title, the subtitle (ask a question to students), change the background, and change the privacy settings. Padlet walls save to your archive so you can quickly go back and make notes of things students have said or even use the responses for in class discussion.Educational Uses of Site
Review of Site
Padlet was introduced to me at our hybrid trainings at the beginning of the summer. The instructors used it as a quick brainstorming activity: “what do you think about…” and then at the end of the session for a reflection piece: “tell us one thing you learned about….” I liked the way that the students could see what other students were saying, avoiding doubling answers and maybe adding to the conversation. We were asked to create a Padlet wall, where others could join the conversation starter that we had posted. I liked that, as the teacher, I did not have to be an active participant in this activity—it was completely student-led. I noticed others responding to my wall were reading what other people wrote and adding new ideas or even commenting on other posts. If I were to be holding a guided group and asking students to view something on a computer, I could have Padlet on my iPad and keep an eye on that wall while I was teaching. I could see some negatives for this site, however. For example, students can post anything on the wall—if it is not well monitored and students make a poor choice, they can easily post something and quickly remove it from the wall. That being said, if I were to have this wall projected on the screen, a student to easily write something inappropriate for the whole class to see. This would mean I would need to keep a close eye on these postings, as it could be an effective tool if used correctly. The site does have an option that the posts be viewed prior to posting, which would eliminate the chance of an inappropriate comment but would also limit student collaboration. Some teachers may not like that students can see what others are posting and that they may copy other’s posts; if this were the case, I would just wait until all students have their responses, check their responses and then post them for everyone to see. I think this tool would be very valuable to get conversation started, for those classes where students sit quietly and wait for directions. By having a starting point, students can start talking and collaborating with one another.